Vehicle for delivering mail



(No Model.) I 2 SheetsSheet 1.

H. B. SORTOR.

. VEHICLE FOR DELIVERING MAIL.

No. 336,764. Patented Feb. 23, 1886.

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(No Model.) I 2 SheetsSheet 2. H. B. SORTOR,

VEHICLE FOR DELIVERING MAIL.

No. 336,764. Patented Feb. 23, 1886.

1 Hum i I I l ghzw Q UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HOBART B. SORTOR, OF KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN.

VEHICLE FOR DELIVERING MAIL.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 336,764, dated February 23, 1886.

Applicationfiled August I, 1885. Serial No. 173,849. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HOBART B. SoRroR. a citizen of the United States, residing at Kalamazoo, county of Kalamazoo, State of Michigan, have invented a new and useful Mail-Delivery Gart, of which the following is a specification.

The object of this invention consists in the construction of a delivery-cart, substantially as below described, the same being especially designed for use in delivering mail, but also applicable for other delivery uses.

In the drawings forming apart of this specification, Figure l is a perspective view, looking from a point beyond one of the rear cor ners, showing the rear, top, and one side of the cart; Fig. 2, a rear elevation with one side broken away; Fig. 3, an enlarged detail in perspective, hereinafter particularly described; Fig. 4, a side elevation of the front end of the cart-body; Fig. 5, an end elevation of body with portion one side of center broken away, Figs. 4 and 5 being enlarged; and Fig. 6 is an enlarged broken detail in elevation showing plan of hanging the body from the springs.

Referring to the letters marked on the drawings, B represents the body of the cart, made in any suitable small compact form, so far as the general configuration is concerned. I prefer to make the front of the body rounding, and sloping on top from the door D. 7

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, it will be observed that there is an opening in the rear of the body for entering the same by stepping in from the ground, the body being hung low for this purpose. This of itself is not new in ve hicles; but it will be seen that this is not a covered body, like a car with a rear door for the people to enter and be under cover, but that the body B is made low, and portions are covered to roof over the different compartments for containing mail-matter, and that the opening in the top communicates with the rear opening, thus allowing the mail-carrier to enter the body from the rear and seat himself on the body,with his feet and legs within the body, thus enabling him to mount the cart and dismount therefrom with ease and alacrity, even with his horse under motion, the latter the carrier has delivered the mail, and will start off again while the carrier is again mounting.

From the demonstrations of the present use of these carts in this city by mail-carriers it is found that they cannot only carry much more mail-matter without becoming fatigued, but that a great saving to the mail-department in the hire of men can be accomplished.

The style of springs used is a matter of choice, and I make no claim to the springs a, per se, in this patent.

The hinged covers D and G are provided with latches and looks, the cover 0 forming the seat, beneath which is a slit or opening for the insertion of letters.

The axle o is bent downward at right angles and passes beneath the body a sufficient distance below to allow for the spring of the body, Figs. 1 and 2. The springs are secured to the axle on each side, their lower leaf extending forward and connecting with the thill-bar. A cross-spring, w, isjointedly coupled with said leaves, said cross-spring passing forward of the body from one side spring to the other. This construction, in connection with the manner of hanging the body, forms a novel association of parts in this invention. The sides of the body are hung from the tops of the springs by hangers r,which are pivoted to the blocks f at t, and are pivoted to the side of the body, Figs. 1, 2, and 5. This mode of hanging the body at the sides prevents the forward and backward jerking of the running-gear from affecting the body. It will be seen that the hangers 1' connect the body 13 at the rear of the longitudinal center. This also sustains the rear end of the body. The front end is hung by hanger S, secured to the front end,

Figs. 4 and 5, and pivotally connected with the cross-spring w. This cross-connection a: may or may not be elastic; but for the greatest ease in riding a spring is preferable. By this means the body is kept level,whether the body is weighted on one side more than another or not, from the fact that this mode ofhanging the body at the sides and front end causes both side springs to act alike,wherever the weight on the body may be.

50 if well trained,will have stopped by the time Fig. 3 shows the coupling-clip used on the blocks f and crossspring x as a means of pivoting the upper ends of the hangers, the latter of which are headed, as at 1 The bed and cap plates are recessed to conform to the shape of the upper ends of the hangers and their heads 3 Thus when the cap t is bound down by the clip b, or U-bolt, the ends of the hang ers will rock in the couplings, but cannot push any farther in or pull farther out.

As many compartments for holding mail may be made in the body as desired, and the entrance-opening in the cart may be at one or both sides, or in the center, it being here shown at one side.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new is- 1. In a delivery-cart, the combination of a body having a rear entrance-opening, compartments for containing matter to be 'delivered, a bent axle passing beneath the body, suitable side springs with front cross-connection forward of the body, side hangers pivotally connecting the tops of the springs and the sides of the body, and a front hanger secured the ground, and suitable hangers pivotally suspending the body at the end and sides, substantially as set forth.

3. A delivery-cart consisting ofa body provided with closed compartments, an uncovered passage leading into the body among said compartments, a suitable running-gear, and hangers pivotally suspending said body at the front and sides, substantially as set forth.

In testimony of the foregoing I have hereunto subscribed my name in presence of two witnesses.

HOBART B. SORTOR.

XVitnesses:

CHARLES H. GLEASON, WVILLIAM O. CoLVER. 

